Comfort Buzz: Dansko, Klogs & More

PV Footwear is capitalizing on the recent clog trend, the Carson, Calif.-based brand has debuted a series of comfort-based clogs under the Volatile label for fall.

Pairing Off

PV Footwear is spreading its wings in the comfort market with two launches. Capitalizing on the recent clog trend, the Carson, Calif.-based brand has debuted a series of comfort-based clogs (at right) under the Volatile label for fall. The 1960s-inspired line is made in the U.S., a point of distinction from its competition, said Dave Froment, regional VP of sales for the Volatile division. Designed with cushioned footbeds and lightweight polyurethane bottoms, the line retails for $75 to $79 and is targeted to better independents and department stores. It will be delivered in September. In a separate move, the company is reintroducing its Encanto line for spring ’11 after a year-long hiatus. This time around, Encanto is kicking it up a notch with the comfort, adding a multilayer footbed that features six layers of foam in a series of densities that help dissipate and absorb shock at different rates. Massaging pods that promote circulation have been incorporated into the footbeds. The comfort story continues on the bottoms with TPR outsoles that are also biodegradable. Retailing at $60, the line will be targeted to comfort independents and will hit stores in February.

For a young-minded approach to comfort, Sullivan, Mo.-based Klogs is introducing a sister collection under the Kravings label. The series of more trend-driven looks is based on the company’s clog heritage and features three lightweight unit bottoms: a low and high platform wedge and a platform heel (at left). Inside, padded leather footbeds add bounce. Kravings is available for February delivery to fashion-comfort independents and boutiques. The line retails for $105 to $110.

Get Scrubbed

Dansko is building on its roots in the occupational footwear market with the launch of a companion collection of apparel for the health-care market. The line of active-inspired looks will be made of high-performance stretch knits designed for on-the-job comfort. In addition, the materials will feature wicking properties for performance and temperature control. Included in the collection are a range of tops, bottoms, jackets and head wear for men and women in sizes extra-small to 3X. The health-care market has been a cornerstone of Dansko’s business since the brand opened its first occupational account 17 years ago, said Mandy Cabot, CEO of the West Grove, Pa.-based firm. To sell the apparel, Dansko will utilize its existing sales force, targeting the line to uniform retailers, catalogs and e-tailers. The collection will hit stores in January, with retail prices between $30 and $40.

Nature’s Way

All natural is the way to go this spring with the debut of Wonders by Spanish brand Hispanitas. The series of women’s styles are detailed in vegetable-tanned leathers and flexible, lightweight natural rubber outsoles. An earthy feeling is further echoed in the shoes’ anatomical footbed design. Distributed by Casitas of Tucson, Ariz., the collection retails for $160 to $200. Delivery is slated for January.